The 2003 Kawasaki MULE™ 550 is one of the best-selling compact, off-highway utility vehicles on the market because it combines the versatility and hard-working nature of a compact pickup with the maneuverability of an all-terrain vehicle. And despite its ability to handle heavy work loads and its usefulness for outdoor recreation, it can be purchased for a fraction of the cost of a full-sized pickup truck.

Available in all-new Aztec Red or traditional Hunter Green, the MULE 550 is powered by a durable 286cc single-cylinder, air-cooled, four-stroke industrial engine that has proven its reliability in previous models. An internal engine balancer reduces engine vibration while the air intake is located high in the cab frame to draw air from the cleanest, driest and coolest place for strong performance and less maintenance. Other maintenance-saving features include a spin-on oil filter, dual-element air cleaner, visible battery and electronic ignition. The MULE 550 comes equipped with a quiet, large-volume muffler with a U.S. Forest Service (USFS) approved spark arrestor.

The engine for the MULE 550 produces plenty of power to haul most load requirements in light commercial, industrial or farming applications. An 882-pound vehicle load capacity allows it to carry more than 350 pounds in the tilting cargo bed. An additional 900-pound towing capacity is achieved when it is equipped with an optional trailer hitch.

The MULE 550 has extra-large front mud flaps to provide plenty of splash protection for the occupants sitting on the wide, two-person bench seat. The seat has separate bottom and back cushions, hip restraints on each side and two seat belts. A forward/neutral/reverse shift lever is conveniently located beside the seat within easy reach.

A single A-arm front suspension aids turning by keeping the wheel angle constant during suspension movement to improve steering. Operators will appreciate the rack and pinion steering while a swing axle rear suspension makes the ride comfortable.

Maintenance intervals on the MULE 550 can be conveniently tracked with the standard hour meter. Routine checks are made simple with a “see-through” battery case and brake fluid reservoir, fuel level gauge mounted atop the 4.2-gallon fuel tank, and flip-up bench seat that allows easy access to the fuel tank and engine air cleaner.

Those who want to customize their MULE 550 can choose from a vast array of accessories available through Kawasaki MULE dealers. Consumers can also purchase accessories through the internet at http://www.BuyKawasaki.com/.

The MULE 550 has a suggested retail price of $5,699 and comes standard with a 12-month, unlimited mileage warranty that can be extended up to three years.

Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (KMC) markets and distributes Kawasaki motorcycles, ATVs, personal watercraft, utility vehicles and recreation utility vehicles through a network of more than 1,475 independent retailers, with an additional 8,000 retailers specializing in Kawasaki general purpose engines and hand-held power products. KMC and its affiliates employ nearly 3,300 people in the United States, with 400 of them located at Irvine, California headquarters.
“Let the good times roll.™”, is recognized worldwide. The Kawasaki brand has become synonymous with powerful, stylish motorcycles for over four decades. Information about Kawasaki’s complete line of recreational products and Kawasaki affiliates can be found on the Internet at www.kawasaki.com.